STOP THE ABUSE - Royals' assistant boss Kevin Dillon is appealing for supporters to show restraint as he attempts to put one over neighbour Mark McGhee on Saturday

Kevin Dillon has urged Royals fans to lay off former boss Mark McGhee on Saturday - and concentrate instead on cheering their team to victory.

Dillon aims to celebrate his first year as Reading assistant boss by taking three points against McGhee's Millwall on Saturday.

Kick-off for the all-ticket clash has been brought forward to 12 noon at the request of police.

And although Dillon understands supporters will want to give the former Reading manager stick he has appealed to them not to make it malicious.

Dillon said: "People shouldn't forget what he achieved here.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Mark on Saturday - although I see him about quite a lot as he lives about 100 yards away from me.

"Millwall are struggling with injuries but I wish him all the best because he was the one who started something good at Reading.

"He got the club promotion from Division 2 and then into the top six of the First Division before leaving."

The last time McGhee returned to Madejski Stadium was two seasons ago when he guided Millwall to the Second Division championship.

Royals boss Alan Pardew was critical of McGhee in the Evening Post before the game, accusing him of not laying proper foundations for success.

But Pardew's comments quickly came back to haunt him as the Lions roared into a 3-0 lead before going on to win 4-3.

There was also more controversy before the match when the Madejski Stadium announcer made comments about McGhee.

He was sacked soon afterwards.

Dillon added: "I get the feeling Mark won't get as much stick as he has in the past and I hope that's right because he deserves a little bit more respect.

"You always get stick when you go back to an old club. I'll probably get some against Portsmouth, but some of the stuff was horrible and it was a disgrace what the announcer said before the game a couple of seasons ago. Mark didn't deserve that. The fans will give him stick but I hope it's good natured."

M Defender Ricky Allaway has joined Ryman Premier League Basingstoke Town after having his contract terminated at Madejski Stadium. Allaway has been on loan at the Camrose since the start of the season.

* NATHAN TYSON'S push for a first-team place gathered momentum after the winger netted in Reading reserves' 1-1 draw at Swindon Town.

Tyson, who came on as a substitute in Royals' 1-0 win over Bradford on Tuesday, nodded home a Sammy Igoe cross in the Avon Insurance Combination League clash.

After the break the Robins punished a poor kick-out from Jamie Ashdown to level.

Royals suffered a blow late on when young midfield star Simieon Howell suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder.